District Tech Committee members reported on their favorite Web 2.0 tools. Here are the highlights
- Kerpoof - a site where students can create digital stories that include text and animation. Sponsored by the National Science Foundation, the site is owned and operated by the Walt Disney Company. There is an educator page for ideas for classroom integration. The site is recommended for elementary and middle school students.
- Capzules - this Web 2.0 site blends picture storing and storytelling that provides timelines, blogs, and music. Users can create "stacks" of photos on a timeline and open their Capzule to public viewing and allow public comments.
- Whyville - a virtual world for upper elementary and middle school students, Whyville has a newspaper, its own Senators, and its own money. Students interact in Whyville to solve problems and create community. Content has been provided by Getty Images, NASA, Woods Hole, The School Nutrition Association, and others. Comments included the user experience that the site is very slow and some students found it "boring".
- Ning - this social networking site suggests it is primarily for students grades 7 and up. The site includes blogging and RSS capability. You can make your Ning site private or public so that the teacher has control. You can create forums, events, and individual Ning pages. There are other features that allow you to customize the virtual world you've created.
- bubbl.us - a braintorming site on which you can create visual webs on topics. Similar to the software product Inspiration, you can customize the look of the visual web and manipulate the concepts presented. You can share your web and allow students to modify and collaborate on the project. You can imbed the web in your blog or website.
- ProProfs - A teacher resource site that includes Quiz School and Flash Cards among other educational resources. The Quiz School feature lets you create short online quizzes that students can take and view class results. Students create individual accounts, can share their quizzes with others and view the results of their quiz. Results are reported in bar graph format and the site includes a world map to show where their quiz has been viewed.
- Wallwisher - Build a wall where you can post notes, pictures, and comments to share with your class. You can make your wall private or you can allow everyone to see your wall. You can link to websites and blogs and any other online content. Easy to use.
- Google Sites - With a Google account you can create a web site for your classroom or group. You can link to videos, post content, attach documents, and make real time edits to your page. You can post blogs, upload pictures, and control who can access your page. The site is easy to use and links to other Google products like calendar as well as gadgets like world clock, thesaurus, etc.
- Create A Graph - creates graphs and charts easily. Includes bar graphs, line graphs, pie chart, XY, and area. Graphs can be emailed, saved or printed. Best for elementary and middle school students.